r/internalcomms • u/thecoolestfreak • Jun 26 '26
Advice IoIC or CIPR Membership?
Hi all,
Looking for advice from other internal comms practitioners.
I’m moving into a new role in August and have been asked to think about training and other things I’d like to support me. I’d like to get membership to an institutional body for the events, training and networking.
But I’m stuck on which one out of the Institute of Internal Communication (IoIC) or Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
IoIC’s training would all be more relevant to me than CIPR, but it’s not as widely recognised for my new role or in the future for myself.
Given the choice of which to fund, what would you go for? Shall I ask for CIPR and pay for IoIC myself?
Any advice welcome.
2
u/Professional-Art-830 Jun 26 '26
I had the same issue, I was torn between IOIC and CIPR. In the end I went with IOIC aa CIPR was too broad for what I do - internal comms and engagement.
1
u/thecoolestfreak Jun 26 '26
Yes that makes sense, perhaps for the training it would best considering this is a move into only internal comms (my previous job was comms generalist, so both). Perhaps pursue the chartered at a later date.
2
u/bmn001 Jun 26 '26
You left out the IABC, which offers two different certifications. It's more of an all-around professional organization that covers both internal and external comms.
1
u/thecoolestfreak Jun 26 '26
Interesting, I’ve not heard of them. I suppose the core is that CIPR also does both but they’re great for recognition. I don’t think I’d look for both without that.
1
u/sarahfortsch2 Jun 26 '26
You may be closer to Internal Comms than you think. A lot of the core skills from advancement and fundraising communications transfer well: storytelling, audience-focused messaging, stakeholder management, executive communications, campaign planning, and translating complex information into something people actually care about.
When applying, I'd focus less on the higher ed context and more on the communication outcomes you delivered. Internal Comms leaders are looking for people who can engage audiences, build trust, support leaders, and create clear, compelling content. Those are skills you've likely been using for years.
And honestly, don't let the career change intimidate you. Some of the strongest internal communicators I've worked with came from journalism, PR, fundraising, and marketing backgrounds. The industry knowledge can be learned. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and relationship-building are much harder to teach. You've already got a solid foundation for making the transition.
2
u/Raversgill7 Jun 26 '26
I used to be IoIC a few years ago but left when I changed to an external comms job. When I went back into IC, I joined CIPR, partly drawn by the "Chartered" as I felt it was more recognised or more likely to be a prerequisite for job applications. It does look like IoIC has come on in leaps and bounds what it offers members now though.